Cuba, Communism, and everything

Disclaimer: The following statements are those of the author only and are not necessarily those of the scientific community. They are opinions and should be interpreted as such.

According to Wikipedia, “Communism refers to a theoretical system of social organization and a political movement based on common ownership of the means of production. As a political movement, communism seeks to establish a classless society.” Although it may have been in the case in 1950, Cuba is certainly not a pure communist state anymore.

Cuba has been invaded by tourists. Varadero is a nice artificial stretch of land specifically designed for tourists full of hotels, beaches and sun. Two million people visit Cuba every year. Recently, the Cuban government took over the administration of all establishments in Cuba. That could perhaps explain the low quality of maintenance, food, and service received at our resort, Breezes. Being all managed by the government, it really should not matter anymore which resort you pick.

A couple of years ago, this was not the case. Breezes managed its own resort. Our snorkelling guide even won a “best employee” of the year award. Breezes gave him 150 pesos to buy clothes and a whole week at Breezes Montego Bay. Five years later, he was still excited about that week! There are currently no incentives for workers to go above and beyond. Consequently, there are definitely not a costumer-pleasing culture. The buffet restaurant tables were not cleaned promptly. You had to ask them for cleaned utensils.

Foreign investment is common. Of course, it’s called a ‘joint-venture’. Canada and Venezuela operate ‘joint-ventures’ in the oil industry. Shocking, isn’t it? I, for one, did not know Cuba had oil. When I found out, it all came together. I was suddenly able to explain the American interest for Cuba. Oil, so close from home *drooling*. Right, it’s about communism, this evil political ideology… god forbid oil even crossed their minds.

From ~1500 to 1898, Cuba was under Spanish control. Cuba was liberated after the Spanish-American War of 1898. Until 1956 when Castro returned to Cuba with 82 fighters, Cuba was under an American puppet government. Castro established a communist-like party, and the rest is history.

Havana (or Habana) is divided into two parts: “Old” Havana (1800) and “Modern” Havana (1950). What happened economically since 1950? Not much. Same old cars, same old buildings. Then there is the U.S. embargo used as an external locus of control for everything i.e. an excuse for the poor economic performance. The embargo didn’t help, but there is only one person/government/political system responsible for Cuba’s economy falling so behind and it’s not the US. It’s communism. Cuba’s economy has been doing much better since the government relaxed its isolation policies and let tourists in. With the government involved in tourism to the extent that it is, I predict that the quality of the food and the service will eventually keep tourists away. I know I ain’t going back.

Are the people doing better? It’s all relative I suppose. There is no extreme poverty like one can witness in other South American countries such as Brazil and Peru, but no one is rich. They have nice paved roads probably a result again of the American influence of the 1950s. Their education system is good. They are renowned in South America for their doctors. Venezuela sends medical students to Cuba for training.

All good isn’t it? No, not all good. If communism was so good, Cuba wouldn’t be moving towards ‘joint-ventures’ and tourism. Someone took Marx literally. Communism remains an ideal. Can communism work in practice? Not in this lifetime, never as far as I am concerned. It goes against human nature. It doesn’t reward ideas, motivation, inventions, and hard work. Think about all the things that could be accomplished by 11 million people but that are only achieved (or not) and controlled by one. How can one brain be as effective and productive as 11 million brains. Not possible.